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  • Online MPH in Epidemiology

    Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology prepares you to tackle some of our world’s most pressing urban health, global health, and public health issues by combining biostatistics, a public health foundation, with practical experience to help you make a difference in communities locally and globally. The goal of this program is to train you to become an expert researcher and public health worker capable of investigating complex urban and community health challenges, and developing effective strategies to prevent them.

    As an MPH Epidemiology student, you will learn to apply, develop, and teach the skills needed to understand the determinants of disease and improve health using the appropriate descriptive and analytic approaches (epidemiology). In addition, the biostatistics courses provide knowledge on the development and application of theory and methods in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data used in public health and other biomedical sciences.

    Program Features

    • 56 quarter credits
    • No GRE required
    • Learn from Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health faculty members who are experts in the field
    • 100% online, with no residency component
    • The Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health is fully accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH), and is the highest ranked school of public health in the Philadelphia area
    • Along with a focus on epidemiology, you can delve deeper into topics like maternal and child health, health disparities, LGBT health, urban health, global health, or infection prevention and control

    MPH Experiential Learning Opportunities

    Applied Practical Experience
    Drexel Dornsife believes in providing real-world practical knowledge and skills as a part of your education. This requires creating opportunities to build in-depth understanding and a diverse breadth of knowledge that you can immediately apply in your career. You will be required to complete the Applied Practical Experience (APE) and breadth activities. The APE is a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on practical experience you receive through either a project with your current employer, an outside organization, or in an online course-based setting. The experiences can be completed remotely or near your home, which means you never have to come to campus. Drexel Dornsife will even assist you in making connections for these opportunities with public health organizations and beyond.

    Likewise, "breadth" offers you monthly virtual workshops, short-term volunteer opportunities, and on- or off-campus learning opportunities. Through the program, you can pursue the APE and breadth activities in urban and global settings, working with Drexel’s partners around the globe or seeking out opportunities in the U.S. with diverse communities.

    Integrative Learning Experience
    As an MPH student nearing program completion, you’ll be required to enroll in the integrative learning experience (ILE). With a goal of illustrating mastery of core public health and focus-area-specific competencies, the ILE includes taking three credits in the final quarter and writing a high-quality paper.

    What is an MPH in Epidemiology?

    Epidemiologists look at health outcomes and diseases within populations. Their goal is to find the causes of public health issues and develop strategies to prevent them. Drexel Dornsife’s online MPH in Epidemiology prepares you for similar roles by helping you build a foundation in biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health, which you’ll use to examine real-world problems.

    You’ll learn from faculty in Drexel University’s highly respected Dornsife School of Public Health, who are working on pioneering research in areas like aging, autism, social and neighborhood determinants of health, environmental risk factors, urban health, and infectious disease control and prevention.

    Requirements for The MPH in Epidemiology Online

    The MPH Epidemiology online program is intended for those interested in working with qualitative public health approaches, specifically epidemiology. Those with a bachelor’s degree from any background are invited to apply, however, it is highly recommended that you have taken a course in statistics prior to beginning this program and have a strong background in math and science. Six undergraduate or graduate credits in the social or behavioral sciences and three in the biological sciences are preferred as well, but not required. You are not required to have statistical software knowledge before beginning this program.

    What can I do with an MPH in Epidemiology?

    Careers in Epidemiology
    Drexel MPH epidemiology graduates have enjoyed rewarding careers in national and local disease-prevention organizations, community-based organizations, industry, academia, government, and global public health. Upon completion of the epidemiology MPH, you will be prepared for careers both within epidemiology and within the larger public health space. Some common job titles include:

    • Clinical Data Analyst
    • Clinical Research Coordinator
    • Data Scientist
    • Director of Clinical Risk Management
    • Director of Health Outcomes
    • District Epidemiologist
    • Epidemiologist & Surveillance Coordinator
    • Health Statistician
    • Healthcare Analyst
    • Infection Control Specialist
    • Public Health Analyst
    • Senior Research Associate

    For more information on careers in public health, please visit our public health industry page.

    How Long Does it Take to Complete an MPH in Epidemiology?

    The online MPH in Epidemiology offers multiple plans of study to accommodate your needs. Choose between:

    • 12 Months
      This plan allows you to complete the program in the shortest amount of time. It’s recommended that you not work while pursuing this plan.
      Expect to spend: 60-80 hours of coursework each week
      • This option begins in the summer term. When applying, please make sure to select the 12 month option and summer term option under the term you plan to enroll question.
    • 18 Months
      This plan allows you to complete the program by March of your second year. You may be eligible for a research assistantship. You will also have the time to do an internship over the summer should you choose.
      Expect to spend: 40-60 hours of coursework each week
    • 21 Months
      This plan allows you to complete the program in less than 2 years, but still work if you choose. You may be eligible for a research assistantship. You will have the time to do an internship over the summer should you choose.
      Expect to spend: 30-50 hours of coursework each week
    • 33 Months
      This plan allows you to finish the program in less than 3 years while still working full-time. You may be eligible for a Research Assistantship. You will also have time to do an internship over the summer if you so choose.
      Expect to spend: 18-20 hours of coursework each week
    • Flexible Plan of Study
      We understand that sometimes you need to go at your own pace. Working closely with your program manager, you can create a customized plan of study that works best for you. On the application, please select the 21-month option. Then set up time to meet with your program manager prior to registering for your first class to discuss your options further.

    MPH in Epidemiology Salary Expectations

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for an epidemiologist is around $78,830 a year. Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree to enter the profession. The BLS is predicting a 30% job growth rate by 2030, which is much faster than the national average for all careers. Visit our public health industry page to learn more about salaries within the public health field.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Online MPH in Epidemiology Program Asynchronous?
    Online MPH in Epidemiology classes are conducted asynchronously, which means you are not required to be online at a specific time for course instruction. However, many of our classes include group work. In these instances, you will be asked to find time to meet online with other students to complete the small group projects.

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    Related Programs


    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period.

    MPH Foundation Courses  
    BST 571 Introduction to Biostatistics 3.0
    EPI 570 Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0
    HMP 505 Qualitative Data and Mixed Methods Analysis 3.0
    PBHL 510 Public Health Foundations and Systems I 4.0
    PBLH 511 Public Health Foundations and Systems II 4.0
    Epidemiology Foundation Courses
     
    BST 555 Introduction to Statistical Computing 3.0
    BST 560 Intermediate Biostatistics 3.0
    EPI 560 Intermediate Epidemiology 3.0
    EPI 749 Research and Practice in Epidemiology 3.0
    Integrative Learning Experience Capstone  
    EPI 751 Integrative Learning Experience Epidemiology 3.0
    Applied Practical Experience  
    PBHL 500 Practical Experience for the Master of Public Health 0.0
    Electives 24.0
    Total Credits 56.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution
      • Six undergraduate or graduate credits in the social or behavioral sciences, and three in the biological sciences are preferred, but not required
    • GPA of at least 3.0 preferred
      • Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, and should highlight the following in their personal statement: relevant work experience, professional certifications, and/or continuing education that demonstrates academic excellence
    • Standardized Test Scores are NOT required
      • However, you may choose to submit scores to strengthen your application
      • The quantitative GRE is required only for those with no previous math or math-related courses (statistics, inorganic chemistry, physics)

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our supporting document submission guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
    • Two professional letters of recommendation
    • Resume
    • Essay of approximately 500 words discussing your interest in public health, current career goals, and why you are interested in Drexel University.
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Transfer Credit Opportunities

    If you're considering transferring into this online program, you may be eligible to transfer up to 15 graduate-level quarter credits. Learn more about Drexel Dornsife’s transfer requirements and guidelines.

    Computer Requirements

    Working knowledge of and access to a personal computer (no more than 4 years old), high-speed connection to the Internet, and Microsoft Office applications.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1002 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1335 per credit)

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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